Fearless

I won a book on Goodreads a couple of months ago that I finally started reading. It is called "My Year of Living Fearlessly" by Amber Karlins. It is a memoir based on Amber's goal of doing something that terrifies her each week for a year. I have only read the first 50 pages or so, but it I am really enjoying it. She has a good sense of humor and it has been fun reading about her experiences. It also has me thinking about my own life. Am I living life as fully as I could/should be or if I am letting my own fears hold me back - especially when it comes to dating and social activities?

Since I am in a family ward it is really easy to just stay home weekend after weekend, hang out with my single siblings, or hang out with old friends when I could be going to singles activities and trying to meet new people. So, I have decided to have my own Year of Living Fearlessly. I don't think I have the time or bravery to plan and do something new each week, but I can do at least one thing a month that I am afraid of.

Some of the ideas/plans that I have include:

• Sign up for and really give online dating a real chance. I have created profiles before, and even put a picture up, but I haven't really put a lot of thought or effort into an introduction or even really expressed interest in anyone. Basically I have only ever dipped my toes in the water and browsed the options. I had my sister help me with a mini-photo shoot this last weekend so I would have some good pictures of myself to post and I am working on a good introduction that will hopefully generate some interest (if anyone would like to read and offer suggestions, let me know!)
• Go on a singles cruise. I have already signed up for this one (Western Caribbean in April). I love to travel, so it shouldn't be that scary. But, it is a singles cruise so there is going to be a lot more socializing than I am used to, and I only know one person in the group I am going with, so I am kind-of nervous about this one.
• Go to a singles ward activity/FHE and attend a singles ward. I love my calling and I love my ward, but I am not meeting any singles. So, I need to make an effort to at least once a month go to another ward or an activity and try to meet new people.
• Ask someone out on a date. I HATE this. I have always been old fashioned and felt like the guy should be the one to ask out. But maybe some of this is just an excuse because it terrifies me. Of course, I am going to have to do achieve the goal of going to activities and meeting people first because I don't even have anyone to ask out right now - but hopefully in a few months this would be a possibility.
• Ask a friend or family member to set me up. I don't really mind blind dates, if someone brings it up and has someone they want to set me up with. But I have never wanted to actually ask a friend to set me up. I guess I don't want to look too desperate. Time to swallow my pride.

Although I just recently decided to do this, I actually did go to a singles ward FHE and Sacrament meeting in January, so I already have one month down. If anything both of those experiences reminded me how socially awkward I can get when I am out of practice and how much I really need to be working on this more! I'm hoping now that I will be more accountable since I have to report back on my blog.

Does anyone else have any suggestions or things they are scared of?